Kahne Wins CARQUEST Auto Parts 300

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Kasey Kahne won Saturday night's CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 NASCAR Busch Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Kahne, who started 32nd, led a total of 43 laps as he held off Casey Mears for his first Busch Series win of the season. The top-five was rounded out by Clint Bowyer, Jeff Burton and Regan Smith.

Kahne, Mears, Bowyer and Burton will clash again tonight when the green flag drops at 5:30 p.m. for the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 1-800-455-FANS or at select entry gates. All spectator gates will be open at noon with a spectacular U.S. military pre-race show starting at 2:30 p.m. Entertainment includes performances by the 82nd airborne chorus, U.S. Army Golden Knights, a Fantastic Four aerial stunt and LeAnn Rimes singing the national anthem.

Kasey Kahne (race winner, first win at Lowe's Motor Speedway, No. 9 Country Crock Dodge): "We brought a brand new car and it was exceptional. The guys did a real good job. We got out where we needed to be and got some clean air. It's been a long time between wins. Maybe we can do this tomorrow night, too."

Casey Mears (runner-up, No. 24 National Guard/30th Heavy Brigade Combat Chevrolet): "Needed some more bite. We fought that all weekend. For us, it was a good comeback. Had a hard time all night getting the front end to turn right. We made up some ground and stayed out. Kasey had a great car tonight. Any time you have a good run, you can take something from it. It's good to represent the National Guard on Memorial Day weekend."

Clint Bowyer (third place, No. 2 BB&T Chevrolet): "We just fought tight all weekend, too. It was fun. We kinda lucked out at the end and got some track position." (It has been a good weekend, so far, as Bowyer finished second Friday night in a race at The Dirt Track at Lowe's Motor Speedway, across the road from the speedway.)